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Mariann812

Gastric Bypass Patients
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Everything posted by Mariann812

  1. Everyone has their own expectations regarding how they want to look. I am down 70lbs at 5.5 months gastric bypass. I am beyond ecstatic. I have never felt better. I was wearing 3X at day of surgery. I’m sizing down again to Size 8 in JCREW pants. My face does look very thin and there is some sagging. I have lost the fat pads in my face which was to be expected. I am having laser ablation in January followed by Botox/fillers and PDO threads. My goal weight is still 20 lbs away. I know my surgeon is going to tell me I’ve lost enough now, but I am aiming to lose the last 20 lbs. Everyone’s different. You have to do ‘you.’
  2. Mariann812

    OOTD

    This is what I wore to school on Tuesday this week.
  3. Mariann812

    Before and After Pics

    I’ve lost 60 lbs in just under 4 months. 🤗 liquids: all I drink is water (64 Oz) and I have 1 cup of coffee a day. I have lost my taste for coffee. I go through phases craving other things. I haven’t done Crystal Lite except for my first 2 weeks post op. I felt like the longer I drank it, my weight loss slowed. I have always noticed that about me and artificial sweeteners in steady, large amounts. on the liquid phase of post op, I had bone broth, sugar free jello, sugar free ice pops, AND water. 🤦🏻‍♀️ there is some recipe floating around on this site I think for mashed potatoes with cream of chicken soup and the lumps are strained out. It’s delicious and I was happy to have that for dinner every day. It’s all really a blur now. I had no appetite and I still dont, so I made sure I met hydration levels. When I was able to do that, I added in protein. I think I used Atkins because I detested Fairlife and Core and the others. The surgeon told me to be hydrated first and then concentrate on protein. Atkins has a 30 g of protein shake that I try to have once a day now. I know that I don’t eat anywhere near the calories I am suppose to, but I am simply not hungry and I take my vitamin with iron so I’m not going to worry about it. my biggest most constant craving is salad. 🤣🤣🤣 With a small amount of sugar free salad dressing and crisp lettuce, and white meat chicken (Panera), I’m good. I try to meet the protein numbers with Atkins Protein Wafer Crisp bars (1 a day). I read every single label before I buy anything, and I’m enjoying cooking for the first time in forever. Making things yourself is a great way to be sure you are getting what you need. Shrimp, salmon, egg white/egg salad are all things I enjoy. mom wracking my brain trying to remember 2 days post op. I know I was supposed to drink clear s/f Gatorade or something, but I was so nauseous (even with patches, etc) that I did ice pops, jello, and the next day I was able to graduate to broth, and protein shakes. I stayed on liquids for a long time-maybe 5-6 weeks because I wasn’t hungry, it was the dead of summer, and I didn’t feel like going on to the soft foods phase. Mashed potatoes were great, and I literally could not eat more than a tablespoon before I was full.
  4. Mariann812

    Before and After Pics

    Thank you! This is the best thing I’ve ever done for me! My surgeon repaired the hiatal hernia (Type IV-massive) by finessing my digestive system down into my abdomen where it should have been, closed the hole in my diaphragm, performed gastric bypass, and ‘fashioned’ a new stomach the size of an egg. I have not had heartburn, reflux, and I can’t imagine being more pleased than I am right now. Let me know if you have any questions.
  5. Mariann812

    Before and After Pics

    Spinoza: I am so thankful! ❤️❤️❤️🤗
  6. Mariann812

    Before and After Pics

    10 days shy of 4 months post op from gastric bypass. Pre-op testing showed a massive Type IV hiatal hernia. 2/3 of my digestive system was in my chest. SW 223 lbs CW 168 GW 130 AGE 68 Photo in shorts was 4 days post op: 6/12/2022 Photo in black pants is today 9/29/2022 THIS was the BEST thing I’ve ever done for myself.
  7. Mariann812

    I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)

    June 12 (shorts) And September 12 (black pants) 50 lbs lost Surgery date: 6/8/2022 GW: 130 SW: 223 CW: 172
  8. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    Thank you. I’m a little hesitant to try the cauliflower rice because it gave me awful gas years before surgery. My not doing well with chicken totally mystifies me, but it’s also making me lose my taste for it. It’s a strange yet wonderful journey I guess. 🤷🏻‍♀️
  9. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    I am ALWAYS texting my husband lists of things to stop and get. 🤣 It took me a little while to get somewhat accustomed to real food again. I am approaching it slowly as initially my first few forays into chicken did not go well. The only thing I have really missed, believe it or not, is salads. 🤣🤣🤣Now, 2 lettuce leaves and some s/f dressing, and I’m happy. 🤗 I still am on the cucumber kick! And, dh and I are going to the beach for a couple days, and I’m baking cloud bread to bring along. I figure I can pop it in the toaster at the breakfast buffet. Friday is my birthday and I just made a s/f cake mix with 12oz of diet sprite. It smells wonderful. My biggest adjustment has been eating very slowly and understanding that after 2 or 3 bites, I’m full. congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 and thank you for reading my post!
  10. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    I’m so glad you are do I well! Seems like June 8 was a lifetime ago. yes, Pro-T gold. I’m drinking it now. I find that if I meet water and protein goals, I have absolutely no appetite. congratulations!
  11. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    My bypass was 6/8/22. Here’s a quick update. I went into surgery at 208 lbs. I had started the liquid pre-op at 222. I came home from surgery on 6/10 at 223… IV FLUIDS from the hospital caused that. On 6/30, I weighed 192. It was my 3 wk visit with the surgeon. We talked about stalls and not weighing every day. Today is 8/10, 2 months 2 days post op and I weigh 178. Historically I am a slow loser, so I’m over the moon at how this is going. I’m averaging about 1/2 lb loss a day. I found meeting my hydration and protein goals challenging and I had to focus to meet them. It took me a few weeks, possibly 5 weeks even. I made sure I made hydration goals first and then I focused on protein. I found that large amounts of anything with artificial sweeteners (crystal light, etc) stalled my weight loss. Except for 2 s/f ice pops per day, I steer clear of artificial sweeteners. I stopped drinking protein shakes when I made the connection between stalls and artificial sweeteners. I put PRO-T (17 G protein) in a bottle of water a few times a day to meet my protein goals. I buy it on Amazon and I used it after cosmetic surgery a few years ago with great results. I was slow (intentionally) to progress through food stages by choice. I have not been hungry, I have to remind myself to eat (I’m thrilled), and I eat what I feel like eating if it’s something allowed I go through phases: cucumbers, hummus, soup, zucchini, pickles, egg salad, tuna, peanut butter. A couple of bites and I’m full. I walk 3 miles a day, 4-5 times a week. I take vitamins my surgeon has prescribed. I am always drinking water. I have one cup of coffee a day and have essentially lost my love of it. UNPLEASANT: I’ve had 3 vomiting episodes. All my fault because I ate too fast. They were basically uneventful and I was immediately fine. One dumping episode. I didn’t realize buttermilk has sugar in it and I made a dressing for zucchini spirals. I never needed pain meds in the hospital post op probably because I was given a 3 day nerve block in the abdomen by the anesthesiologist. I NEVER had a single gas pain. Ask me any questions: I will try to organize this info and perhaps make it easier to follow. In no particular order, my go-to foods are: ricotta cheese, lettuce with skinny girl dressing, tomatoes, zucchini, chicken-crust pizza (recipe from Sugar Free Mom-Google it-its TDF), many recipes from Bariatric Kitchen on fb. There are SO many recipes…more than I could ever hope to prepare in my lifetime. LOL My attitude has reverted to what it had been most of my life: eat to live. The emotional eating is an issue I have dealt with personally and I dealt with it by removing myself from the kitchen and drinking a bottle of water. When you are sipping, it takes awhile to drink a bottle of water and that’s a good thing. Good luck and feel free to ask me any questions.
  12. Mariann812

    August Surgery Buddies!

    I had shots in the belly while in the hospital but was given Eliquis pills - 2/day for 1 month - when I arrived home. I’ve done belly injections before, and I was initially scared as heck to do them, but after giving myself the first one, I was fine. The secret for pretty much everyone is to ice the injection site before giving the shot. And then ice afterwards. The icing makes the shot impossible to feel and cuts down on bruising. I also have a very high tolerance for pain, and I’m sure you can do this. Additionally, the needles are very small…usually they are the size used for insulin…really small. I never felt a thing. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery and good luck. Personally, this surgery is the best thing I’ve ever done for me. My surgery was 6/8/22.
  13. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    I had RNY on 6/8 with type IV hernia repair and gall bladder removal. I was 223 the day of surgery. I’m thrilled to be at 183 today. I’m started to feel less tired and lethargic just this past week although, the first 2 weeks post op I was full of energy. I started my Vitamins, I’m doing the Water thing just fine, and I’m getting my protein using https://protgold.com/ I used it a few years ago after surgery and it is a miracle worker for me. I have absolutely learned that I do not metabolize artificial sweeteners. When I eliminated them, my stall ended. I also stopped the Premier shakes and began using the pro-t to meet my Protein requirements. I mix it in my water and I’m killing two birds with one stone. I’ve been craving cucumbers and I am enjoying them with hummus. No salad yet for me. I still don’t have any appetite, but my head craves  things…that just takes discipline on my part. I love Soup and the Bariatric Advantage chicken Soup is something I really enjoy.
  14. Mariann812

    August Surgery Buddies!

    My hernia repair(massive Type IV), gallbladder removal and RNY were done on June 8. Surgery took 2 hours. I never needed pain meds. My hospital practices ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) and my post op experience was uneventful and better than I ever could have hoped for. I did not have a single gas pain that so many here mention. I’m a teacher as well and I go back august 17. Granted, I’ve been home since 6/8, but I think you will be okay. Follow your doctor’s orders, especially regarding walking, and STAY HYDRATED and rest so you heal and regain strength. The only time I’ve been knocked off my feet has been when I haven’t met hydration requirements. I wish I had done this years ago. It was absolutely for me a walk in the park. Seriously.  Good luck!
  15. Mariann812

    August Surgery Buddies!

    My hernia repair(massive Type IV), gallbladder removal and RNY were done on June 8. Surgery took 2 hours. I never needed pain meds. My hospital practices ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) and my post op experience was uneventful and better than I ever could have hoped for. I did not have a single gas pain that so many here mention. I’m a teacher as well and I go back august 17. Granted, I’ve been home since 6/8, but I think you will be okay. Follow your doctor’s orders, especially regarding walking, and STAY HYDRATED and rest so you heal and regain strength. The only time I’ve been knocked off my feet has been when I haven’t met hydration requirements. I wish I had done this years ago. It was absolutely for me a walk in the park. Seriously. Good luck!
  16. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    I’m interested to see who is eating salad. I really want to eat salad. I miss it! I’m thinking of chopped steamed spinach in the meantime. My stall was at 4 weeks and lasted 3 days. I immediately went back on liquids with 1 tablespoon of puréed food/once a day, and the numbers are going down again. My water is always first and always at least 64 ounces. No artificial sweeteners or flavors in it. Crystal lite, etc make me stall. It’s not my imagination. As a former runner, I am very aware of what I should and should not consume. I don’t eat cheese…I do eat cottage cheese. No more potatoes since I’m off purée basically. I think I’ve had total 4 tablespoons of mashed potatoes during purée stage. I love chocolate hummus, bone broth, smoked salmon, a one-egg white omelette… and food was not important to me for most of my life so I’m thrilled to be back ‘there’ again. I am so happy and relieved to finally after 10 years of trying to lose weight that there is not anything I feel the need to eat. I’m 100% committed to maintaining at least my mind set that social encounters and occasions do not have to include food. And, if they do, I can be present with a glass of ice water. I’m so thankful that I’ve had this procedure (RNY), I no longer have acid reflux (typically 10-12 Pepcid a day if not more), I am not short of breath (type IV hiatal hernia)…I am incredibly blessed. This is the best thing I have ever done for me!
  17. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    Congratulations 🎈 on your progress! My surgeon told me at 3 weeks post op, that weight loss would slow when solid food was introduced which I did expect. The body metabolizes solids differently. It’s part of the process. Choose nutrient dense, healthy foods, and start building lean muscle. Muscle burns fat. Good luck and keep up the good work!
  18. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    I’m 5 weeks post op from RNY, and I can’t imagine getting to 600 a day. 800 is not even in the realm of possibility as far as I’m concerned.. I’ve decided I’m not going to be worried or concerned about it. 🤷🏻‍♀️
  19. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    Congratulations 🎊 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I had felt the same way about food my entire life until about 10 years ago. When the weight started coming in, I said screw it and I started eating. Now since surgery, same date as you, I can take food or leave it. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I have also lost 32 lbs,, and I’m cleared to run. I have found that staying hydrated is the most important thing I can do. Since I have no appetite, the few bites I have per day and high quality protein. CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN! 🎉🎉🎉
  20. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    4 weeks post op tomorrow. I’ve lost 31 lbs. this has so far exceeded my wildest expectations that I am blown away. ETA: highest weight ever was when insurance paperwork was submitted at 222. Got down to 209 on 6/8 day of surgery. Came home at 222 from IV fluids. (Can’t make this stuff up) I’m at 191 now and FitTrack says I’m averaging 7/10 of a lb a day. HTH
  21. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    I agree. We are like Santa’s bag of toys. We all get thrown in the weight loss surgery bag, and when they ‘shake us out,’ we’ve all had fairly different protocols and yet at the same time, basically the same protocols. best of luck to you! I think what I was MOST thankful for with my practice’s protocol was that clear liquids post op were only one day. I despised the clear liquid protein drinks. 🤢
  22. Mariann812

    Soup and Drinking

    Food, wait 30 minutes than liquid. And vice versa. And, what everyone else said.
  23. Mariann812

    OOTD

    You all look FABULOUS!!! Congratulations on what you have achieved with your efforts! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I am 3 weeks post op in this photo, down 30 lbs and so thrilled I had this procedure.
  24. Mariann812

    June 2022 surgery buddies

    The different protocols are likely studies the doctor and/or practice are doing to determine if there is an optimal protocol. It explains why the stages are all over the map.
  25. Mariann812

    Getting ready to have this surgery

    This is so me! I had spent most of my life not the least bit interested in food. 10 years ago when the weight started creeping up, I said the hell with it and started eating everything in sight. Since surgery, almost a month ago, I have no appetite and I feel like my old self again. I had completely messed up my metabolism with the yo-yo dieting and exercise. This surgery has been a blessing.

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